Cold and coiled around with a tighten grip.

Tighter than it used to be. Like an embrace in cherished memories.

Once you glittered piercing from sun blush glare.

Then you dulled, back and forth, across a numb finger with kindly care.

You long to watch your children grow old,

You are the constant as the sunsets fold,

You are more precious than I am gold.

I still feel the vibrations when you lay your hand in mine.

That summer breeze whisper.

That birdsong secret.

I still taste the tang of 1000 meals together.

Firenze fireworks within the spring.

Dancing merrily to that Sam Cooke thing.

You bought a house so eagerly,

You fell in love with the greenery,

You fell content in beautiful scenery.

Ripples of autumn whipping through the trees.

Long walks, hand-in-hand.

Twos and threes.

A unit. A family. A miracle of five.

Warmed to my core by tiny sticky fingers,

Lessened over time but the warmness still lingers.

Your little ones flew far all on their own,

You stayed close in contact - not too far from phone.

You smiled a calming smile, on your own, but not alone.

Winter calls hard, flakes disperse on uneven stone. My grip tighter that ever before.

That vibrato laugh.

That heart flutter sigh.

People gathering in solemn collections.

Tear beads hit handkerchiefs for joy-filled connections.

You look down on her one last time,

You look on me with a look so sublime,

You take me from her finger; it feels like a crime.

A pause in the moment.

I’m nervous and unsure.

You place me on your ring finger. My cherished memories now restored.